A Lift For Astronaut Memorial

The 1986 Florida Challenger 7 Kilometer Run/Walk-a-thon takes off at 9 a.m. Saturday. What better way to rally Floridians behind the planned memorial to astronauts at Kennedy Space Center?

Last January's shuttle accident inspired talk about a monument to all of America's fallen astronauts. But that goal seemed out of reach until NASA and a private group, the Astronauts Memorial Foundation Inc., acted.

The space agency provided a site at KSC, and the foundation began raising money. Private dollars will build and maintain this facility, which will be an official state memorial.

Another big boost came last June when Gov. Bob Graham agreed with the Legislature to offer a commemorative Challenger license place. That will help raise funds for the monument.

Saturday's fun will push this worthy cause even more within grasp. The non-competitive event, to be held in counties across Florida, has no entry fee. Anyone may enter.